 2024 campaign in style, securing a 2-0 victory over Ghana){kind=link}
Reigning champions South Africa began their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 campaign in style, securing a 2-0 victory over Ghana in a keenly contested Group C opener on Monday in Oujda, Morocco.
Banyana Banyana, who are looking to retain the continental crown they won in 2022, showed composure and quality in key moments to claim all three points against a determined Black Queens side.
Clinical First Half Display
The match started cautiously, with both teams trying to adjust to the sweltering afternoon heat and find rhythm. But it was South Africa who struck first in the 28th minute.
Following a VAR review, referee Ndidi Madu awarded a penalty after Ghana midfielder Grace Asantewaa was adjudged to have brought down Noxolo Cesane in the box. Linda Motlhalo stepped up and converted calmly from the spot, sending goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan the wrong way to give Banyana the lead.
Six minutes later, South Africa doubled their advantage. A quick transition saw Lebogang Ramalepe release Jermaine Seoposenwe with a well-weighted pass, and the experienced forward made no mistake, slotting the ball past Konlan with a composed finish to make it 2-0.
Ghana Fight Back But Fall Short
The Black Queens responded with urgency in the second half, creating several chances and enjoying more possession. However, they were left frustrated by a mix of near misses and solid South African defending.
Ghana twice came agonisingly close to scoring: first through Alice Kusi’s long-range rocket that rattled the crossbar, and later when Evelyn Badu’s powerful header clipped the post. Despite their pressure, they couldn’t breach the South African defence, marshalled well by Bongeka Gamede and Bambanani Mbane.
Group C Standings and What’s Next
With the win, South Africa go top of Group C on goal difference as they are level on points with Mali who edged past Tanzania 1-0 later on Monday in Berkane.
Desiree Ellis’ side will next face Tanzania on Friday, 11th July in their second group match, while Ghana must quickly regroup before taking on Mali in a must-win encounter the same day.
Key Performers
Linda Motlhalo: Showed nerves of steel to open the scoring from the penalty spot and was influential in midfield throughout the game. Jermaine Seoposenwe: Clinical in front of goal and tireless in pressing the Ghanaian defence. Lebogang Ramalepe: Provided the assist for the second goal and was solid on both ends of the pitch.
What They Said
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis praised her team’s discipline and focus:
“It’s always important to start strong in a tournament like this. Ghana are a tough side, but our players stuck to the plan. We took our chances when they came, and that made the difference.”
Ghana’s coach Kim Björkegren expressed disappointment but vowed his team would bounce back:
“We hit the woodwork twice and had good spells of play, but we lacked composure in key moments. We’ll go back, analyse, and prepare better for the next match.”